note

Founded by Tom Meredith, former R.A.F. pilot who settled in South Africa and was co-founder of Tropic Airways, and Fanie Botha. Operations commenced on 3rd October 1953 with one Dakota ZS-DIY on Johannesburg - London route. Trek Airways was only other international carrier of South Africa beside S.A.A. for many years. Only 8 months into service, the only DC-3 was unexpectedly sold to Africair by Botha and Tom Meredith had to find replacement quick. ZS-DKH was purchased from Airwork and Trek eventually operated 3. In 1983, Tom Meredith resigned from the company. Trek operated a 747SP on Johannesburg - Luxemburg route in last year of its existence under name Luxavia which was a company set up by Trek and registered in Luxemburg. From 1991 to 1994 Trek Airways operated passenger airline subsidiary FLITESTAR. In 1991 South Africa deregulated its airline industry and FLITESTAR became the first airline to compete with South African Airways on domestic market. Operations commenced October 16th 1991 using GPA leased Airbus A320s on Johanesburg - Cape Town and Johannesburg - Durban routes. FLITESTAR thus become first airline in Africa to put A320 in service. FLITESTAR quickly captured 25% of domestic market which prompted SAA to retaliate. From petty obstructionism (holding planes on push back) to rising prices for its maintenance services and fiddling with the reservation system which both airlines used to legitimate marketing efforts, SAA succeeded and FLITESTAR parent company Trek Airways shut down on April 1st 1994. Its principal shareholders, Rentmeester Beleggings and the de Moelenaer were paid off not to form another airline venture for 5 years. FLITESTAR also used ATR 72s which continued SAA feeder service for few months thereafter.

founded - demised (age)

September 23 1953 - April 11 1994  (41)

headquarters

, Johannesburg

web

base airports

FAGM Rand Germiston - Johannesburg	maintenance
FAJS Jan Smuts

related operators

South African Airways